The Best HACCP Software

Food safety standards have defined the food industry from farm to table. Every international governing body has set out rigid rules and regulations designed to protect consumers from unsafe food. For example, the United States sets food-safety standards with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Department of Agriculture (USDA). Other countries have different agencies in control. Fortunately, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) was developed to create a global standard requiring food producers to develop management systems to analyze and control the biological, chemical, and physical hazards involved in the manufacturing, handling, and distribution of all food products.

What is HACCP Software?

Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) software assists with food safety and traceability compliance. Similar to quality management systems, this software is useful for establishing control points at all levels of the food supply chain, from initial production to final retail distribution. The 7 basic principles are:

1. Conduct a hazard analysis
2. Determine the critical control points (CCPs)
3. Establish critical limits
4. Establish monitoring procedures
5. Establish corrective actions
6. Establish verification procedures
7. Establish record-keeping and documentation procedures

The system then has tools to analyze all possible dangers and health risks associated with food production. Whatever your role in the food and beverage industry, you can benefit from the use of HACCP software.

• There are different types of HACCP designed specifically for:
• Water
• Dairy
• Juice
• Seafood
• Retail and food service

If your specific food and beverage industry is not included, you can build a comprehensive HACCP plan with a software to keep your business up-to-date with safety regulations and risk assessments.

HACCP Features

• Labor management: Streamline employee workflows to ensure all tasks are carried out as efficiently as possible
• Food traceability: Use barcodes and RFID to trace food production from start to finish; monitor food storage conditions like temperature
• Labeling and packaging: Determine the best way to properly package all food products and label them for easy organization and distribution
• FIFO/LIFO: Use first-in, first out (FIFO) or last-in, first-out (LIFO) systems to keep food as fresh as possible before distributing to merchants and consumers
• Distribution logistics: Plan for the best distribution methods for different types of food and beverage products
• Hazard analysis: Review possible risks to your production processes and supply chain, create mitigation plans for these scenarios
• Recall organization: In the event a recall is required, determine where all affected food was distributed and then track all units coming back to your facility to ensure no products are still available to retailers and consumers
• KPI analysis: Analyze historical data to plan out your future production schedule and streamline your safety decision making process

Benefits of HACCP Software

F&B companies who utilize HACCP software can enjoy many benefits including:

Keep Track of Changing Safety Standards

Food regulations are always changing as new technologies allow for safer food handling techniques. In order to keep up with new and modified standards created by organizations like the FDA, use a HACCP software to automate the process. The system continually identifies hazards which are:

• Biological
• Chemical
• Physical

HACCP software provides an overview of all your current safety regulations so you can double-check compliance in real-time. You can keep your production facility or warehouse filly up-to-date with the latest standards from every governing organization.

Since HACCP is global, you can track all the safety standards of different countries in one convenient setting. If one country you distribute food to changes their practices regarding chemical hazards, you can know and adjust instantaneously.

More Cost-Effective Packaging Methods

Food packaging can add up to your overall distribution costs. The more packaging material you need, the more you have to pay. And the more chances there are for a physical hazard to contaminate your food products. HACCP software has tools for calculating exactly how much you really need to safely transport and store food.

Better packaging can also reduce the possibility of food recalls. HACCP software monitors temperature conditions in real-time so you can avoid accidental overheating or cooling. For example, a broken refrigerated storage unit can lead to the spread of foodborne pathogens like salmonella and listeria in chicken products. These biological hazards can cause hospitalization if consumed. If retailers report multiple customers becoming ill, a recall has to start. By monitoring storage conditions with HACCP software, businesses can prevent outbreaks which would otherwise prompt recalls. Additionally, safe packaging can temporarily protect food from the effects of temperature changes.

Cheaper Product Distribution Practices

Using better packaging can also lead to better product distribution. Reduced packaging can lower overall batch weight and product dimensions. This allows for more individual units to fit into a delivery vehicle or in a long-term storage facility.

For example, your refrigerated warehouse may only have room for a set amount of frozen food. In order to keep the food at the right temperature as long as possible, you need to have an efficient distribution system. HACCP software can automate the movement of products through your production center, warehouse, or store to ensure food does not expire in storage.

An Adaptable Supply Chain

In the wake of COVID-19, many food producers have had to adapt their supply chain practices while still adhering to safety standards. Being able to change quickly can be the difference in meeting demand and falling behind.

With a HACCP software and risk management system, you can establish new or modify existing control points to better react to possible supply chain disruptions. Since some of these hazards are unavoidable, HACCP software helps you prepare corrective actions for if risk becomes reality.

Why Industries Require HACCP

Every year, there are millions of cases of foodborne illness with thousands requiring hospitalization. Most illnesses are the direct result of consumers ingesting food which has been exposed to bacteria, either through damaged packaging or the food being stored at the wrong temperature. Without HACCP measures, this contamination can occur anywhere along the supply chain during:

• Food production
• Food manufacturing
• Distribution
• Retail and restaurant chains

In short, every step of the supply chain needs to account for HACCP regulations in order to reduce foodborne illnesses in consumers. Even minor cases of food poisoning are a liability for your company. And according to the FDA, food recalls can cost millions, so preventative measures established by HACCP software can be the difference between happy customers and huge expenses.